Delhi HC permits 17-year-old minor to donate part of liver to save father's life, directs ILBS to ensure safety protocols
New Delhi, June 30
The Delhi High Court has permitted a 17-year-old boy to donate a portion of his liver to his father suffering from advanced chronic liver disease, while directing the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, to carry out the transplant procedure in strict compliance with all legal, ethical and clinical protocols to ensure the minor's health and safety.
Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order while allowing a writ petition filed by the minor through his mother and natural guardian, seeking permission under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, to donate part of his liver to his father, Uttam Kumar Shaw.
The Court directed that the transplant procedure involving the minor donor be undertaken in accordance with all statutory, ethical and clinical safeguards. It also recorded the submission of ILBS that the hospital had been awaiting the Court's order and would now expeditiously schedule the surgery.
The Court noted that although living organ donation by minors is ordinarily prohibited, Rule 5(3)(g) of the 2014 Rules permits such donations in exceptional medical circumstances, subject to prior approval of the Appropriate Authority and the State Government.
During the hearing, the Government of NCT of Delhi placed before the Court a letter dated June 29, 2026, recording the approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Appropriate Authority permitting the minor to donate part of his liver to his father.
The Court observed that the petitioner's father is suffering from chronic liver disease with cirrhosis, portal hypertension, mild ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma, and that liver transplantation was the only viable life-saving treatment. It further noted that all other near relatives had been evaluated and the minor son was found to be the only medically suitable donor.
The Court also recorded that the petitioner, though a minor aged about 17 years and six months, was physically fit and willing to donate a portion of his liver voluntarily out of natural love and affection for his father, without any commercial or coercive element.
Observing that denying permission could result in the loss of the father's life, the Court held that the balance of convenience overwhelmingly favoured permitting the transplant. It exercised its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution and allowed the minor to donate part of his liver to his father.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Salute to this brave young man. In India, family bonds are so strong that a 17-year-old is ready to sacrifice a part of his body for his father. But we must also ensure that no minor is ever coerced or pressured into such decisions. The court has handled this with care.
While I appreciate the court's humanitarian approach, this sets a tricky precedent. The law usually bans minors from donating organs for good reason—they're still growing. I hope the hospital and authorities are absolutely sure the boy's long-term health won't be compromised. Let's not let emotions override medical ethics.
The father must be so proud of his son. This reminds me of my own family—if anyone was in trouble, we'd do anything for each other. But I also hope the hospital follows all the safety protocols strictly. The minor's health should be the top priority. 🙏
Amazing courage by the minor. But I'm slightly concerned about the 'natural love and affection' argument--it's subjective. What if there was subtle pressure from extended family? The authorities should have done a more thorough evaluation. Still, a win for the family in this case. 🙏
This is a heartwarming decision from the Delhi HC. The boy's selflessness is truly inspiring. In Indian culture, family comes first, and this case perfectly reflects that. I just hope the surgery goes smoothly and both father and son recover fully. 💪
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